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About Kent County
Confessions of a Reluctant Landlord... - Oct 26 09:12 PM
OK, I'll admit it. I've been a Landlord 3 times. This is not my chosen occupation. You see, I'm not really constitutionally set up to be a good landlord. I don't enjoy being mean, nor do I like making reminder calls for over due rent.
I entered the land-lording business because I had bought a house. My first home came with a tenant. The tenant was actually a model tenant....neat, orderly, considerate and on time with the rent payments. If this was ...
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The Battle of The Giants Vs. The Little Guys...When Big Business Sues A Blogger? - Oct 16 12:51 PM
A recent story in the Grand Rapids press, (Saturday, October 13,2007) caught my attention. The title of the article by Chris Knape was "Amway Sues Bloggers" with a subtitle that said..."company alleges fired distributor is behind negative web posts, videos."
The paper reports that the suit has been filed by Quixtar, the on line version of Amway also known as Alticor Corporation. Quixtar is asking the court for an injunction and $25,000 in damages against 30 alleged ...
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My First Blog Post...Grand Rapids Neighborhood Places - A Great Place to Be Somebody! - Mar 20 12:00 AM
This is my first blog post and I must admit that I feel a little bit like someone who has been thrown out onto the stage and doesn't know their lines. But I hope that if I tell a good story, perhaps you will come back and visit my blog time and time again.
So let me start by saying that a few years ago I moved into the Grand Rapids Neighborhoods. In fact, I live right ...
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What's It Gonna Cost to Sell My Home in Grand Rapids, Mi? - Dec 14 12:28 PM
Glad you asked! This is a Valid Question. Sometimes, the real estate process can feel as though the Costs are not readily discernible or understandable. Because a real estate transaction coordinates the services of different specialities such as title work, required inspections, real estate services and state and local sales tax, this can be a little intimidating.
To simply the process, I've compiled a comprehensive list of costs that may be a part of a real estate ...
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A Place to Scamper & Roam With Abandon...A Place to Call Home! - Jun 20 03:35 AM
"We've been waiting for you to call. When are you going to come and list our house?" A little startled, I inquired about how long they had been waiting. I had just been notified that a referral had come through and had called...I thought immediately. After apologizing for a breakdown in communication, an appointment was scheduled in short order.
3 offers and 4 months later she's waiting again. But, this time, she's waiting for her appointment ...
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Every Home Has A Story To Tell... - Nov 05 09:22 PM
If walls could talk...I wonder what they'd say. I wonder what tales they would whisper about the lives of those who lived within them.
You see, every home has A Story to tell. And every home still standing is continuing to talk..if we have the ears to listen and the eyes to truly see.
When we first encountered this home on 924 Griggs, SE in Grand Rapids, MI, the owners had moved out. The home was vacant and looked a little ...
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Harvesting Seasonal Expectations early in Grand Rapids, Michigan! - Aug 21 10:56 PM
It feels as though autumn is making an early arrival in Grand Rapids,Michigan . The days are unseasonably temperate for what we have come to expect at this time of the year. August is usually a steamy, sweltering portion of the summer which chases you to the beach to bear your arms and thighs to the sun. Altogether the entire summer has been downright pleasant. But, the later portion of August has played out with calm drizzling rain which has ...
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"Waking Up Spring in West Michigan!" - May 05 01:27 PM
Spring is in the Air in West Michigan. Gardens are beginning to blossom into riotous color. A variety of Parks & Gardens are beginning to Open. Here's a Selection of some of the luscious Beauty that is Blooming in Grand Rapids, MI & the Local West Michigan area.
Starting May 5th and continuing for one glorious week, Six Million Tulips will command center stage at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. This is a wonderful time to get ...
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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall... Will My House Sell By Fall? - Jul 22 07:13 PM
My absolute favorite question of the year, "What's Going on In the Michigan Market?" Good question. Let me look into my crystal ball and see...
Currently, I see a haze. Oh wait a minute... I see a home for sale and another home for sale. Some buyers are out looking at the front of the home and deciding whether or not to come in. Nope, they are going to try the neighbor's home instead.
You ask the ...
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A Generation Behind...Not I?... My first Blog Post - Nov 15 12:36 PM
I admit I am not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to the latest and greatest in this techno world of ours. I am always eager however to inspect the tools, sharpen whatever needs sharpening, and add to the toolbox the ones that I am lacking. That is how I find myself looking at the world of blogging today in relation to the next generation. It is a tool that I needed to add ...
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More About Kent County...
Kent County Market Reports
Michigan Market... The Good and The Bad - Aug 20 08:31 PM
So here's the good news. In July, the sale of single family homes increased 8.6% over the same period last year according to the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors statistics (http://www.grar.com/). According to the National Association of Realtors, "a forward-looking indicator based on pending sales of existing homes suggests the market may stabilize in the months ahead." (GRAR bulletin) It truly is a great time to buy, especially if you are looking at a home purchase as ...
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5 Important Real Estate Trends To Watch in Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate in 2008! - Feb 02 09:50 PM
The past 24 months have witnessed some of the most significant Trend Shifts in the real estate marketplace in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These shifts have occurred because of a variety of factors which have ranged from economic issues to emerging new technology. Here's a list of Five Important Real Estate Trends to watch.
1. Absorption Rates
There has been a significant increase in homes for sale in the Grand Rapids area. Today, there are almost twice as many homes on the market as there ...
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When Rates Go Down...Smart Buyers in Grand Rapids, MI Start Moving! - Jan 09 06:23 PM
Rates are going down. Yippee Yeah! This is Great News For home buyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to a January 9, 2007 article by Inman News, the Mortgage Bankers Association, a trade group for lenders indicates that this past week the Jump in applications for loans was a whopping 32%! This is the highest one week increase for mortgage applications documented within the past 4 years.
The increase in mortgage applications is due to the fact that mortgage rates are now lower than ...
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Record Sales Increases Recorded for Homes in Grand Rapids, MI ~ January 2008 - Feb 29 11:52 PM
In a press release dated February 29, 2008, the Grand Rapids Board of Realtors announced that sales of existing homes including single family homes, condominiums, and vacation homes rose to record levels in January of 2008. A total of 996 homes were Sold in January which was an 18.9% increase over the corresponding period of time in 2007 and represented the highest number of homes sold in the month of January since 2002!
More good news for Grand Rapids ...
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Grand Rapids Michigan Area Real Estate Market ~ 1st Quarter Report - Apr 27 06:23 PM
In researching comparisons of several areas around Grand Rapids in 2007 and 2008,
I was looking for the trends we all watch:
Days on the market. Average sales Price.Units sold.Cost Per Square Foot (Main floor square footage only)Comparison from 1st quarter 2007 to 1st quarter 2008.Some areas have had quite a change, others have not been affected by market conditions
nearly as noticeably.
City Units sold Avg Sales Price Cost per Sq ft Days on Market
Grand Rapids Schools
2007 ...
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You Are the Market, and This is What YOU say is HOT! - Nov 03 09:58 PM
I love watching the trends in the home building industry. In fact, it's one of my favorite subjects to read up on. What you need to realize is that the "HOT" trends of today are because of what you said was important. See if you agree with these sources of the latest and greatest trends in home design.
Everyone knows that Location, Price, and Condition always rule! However, "new materials and new technologies are reshaping the ...
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Are Foreclosures and Short Sales affecting your sales? - Mar 24 05:40 PM
I was hearing people discussing the impact on the non-distressed homes on the market today. One agent said his sellers are really feeling the pain with so many foreclosures and short sales. The other agent said hasn't bothered my clients...
Somewhere in between is probably the reality...but then where are the majority of the foreclosed located? Are they isolated in a certain price range? What about the short sales are these happening in lower price ranges as ...
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Foreclosure Iceberg Melting in Grand Rapids ~ Short Sales Decreasing over 1st Quarter - May 02 08:26 PM
Foreclosures and short sales seem to dominate the real estate news and this past year they have
been a big icy chunk of our market here in Grand Rapids. They are the huge iceberg that is slowing
traditional home sales and cooling the market for home sellers.
But as any expert will tell you, real estate is local.
So, let's take a look at the recent stats on ...
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How To Avoid Paying Too Much for Your Next Home! - Oct 23 08:25 PM
Buying a home is one of the most exciting moments in life. It can also be one of the scariest. The question in every buyer's mind is: "How Do I make Sure that I'm not paying too much for this house?" In today's market, this is a valid concern.
I was doing some research on line today. Today it's not unusual to see homes which had been reduced tens of thousands of dollars...I'm talking between $20,000 ~ $30,000 and ...
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Have you heard the News? 93% working and only 1.77% foreclosure rate - Aug 15 07:32 PM
Have you really heard the news? We hear all the figures on how bad things and how the market is really in a slump, and look at all the forclosures.
Here are some facts for you. 93% of the workforce is working so that means 7% isn't and the math is easy. It also means that some of the 7% don't want to work and probably some of the 93% don't want to work too!
Michigan has been ...
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More Kent County Market Reports...
Kent County News & Events
A Different Kind of Open House... - Mar 21 10:16 PM
I don't know about you, but most Open Houses that I've been to in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area recently are NOT standing room only events! So, you can imagine my surprise when I drove up to a model home this past week and couldn't find a place to park.
The event was organized by Redstone Group, a company which is building several unique communities around the Greater Grand Rapids area. My agents received an invitation while attending a mortgage seminar ...
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Watch out for this driver - Aug 28 10:06 PM
Watch out, this little girl just got her wheels and has been cited for reckless driving. She was actually stopped while handing out listing presentations to the neighbors. If seen please report to her proud father at 616-292-7329 to make sure this doesn't get out of hand.
I hope you smiled today!!!
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Grand Rapids Volunteers and Donors make BMX possible! - May 17 06:57 AM
I shared in my post BMX is Back in Grand Rapids Michigan the efforts of local group Helmets On! to bring BMX racing back to the Grand Rapids area.
Guess What!?! TODAY IS OPENING DAY!!!
A VERY hard working, dedicated crew of VOLUNTEERS have poured their hearts and pocketbooks out to make this dream a reality. Transforming this pile of dirt (one man's junk is another man's treasure) which was donated from the Calvin College ...
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A Sign of the Times...A Shrinking Parade Tour in 2008! - May 26 05:47 PM
It's a spring time ritual in Grand Rapids, Mi. For residents like myself and many others who love to peek into gorgeous homes and pick up the latest tips for home decor and furnishings, the Spring Parade of Homes Tour is an event which is highly anticipated.
However, this year, the Parade of Homes will feature a tour with significantly fewer offerings than in recent years. In 2006, there were 200 homes featured in the Parade of ...
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Why Active Rain is Transforming Local Real Estate Networks! - Dec 27 07:25 PM
Earlier today, I wrote a post entitled How Open Things Are Going to Get...Calculating The Value of Social Networks. Clearly, there are significant emerging developments ahead for 2008. We are re-working the the essential nature of customer service on line.
And while the winners are not yet clearly identified, one thing is certain...the rules of engagement are not going to be business as usual. In fact our nascent efforts might best be remembered as the rudimenary initiators of Business Unusual.
A couple of comments on the ...
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Martin Luther King - Jan 21 04:54 PM
Martin Luther King (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968)
“an Advocate for Peace for All”.
Today we celebrate one of our great American heroes. He fought for non-violence for all the masses. And yes to be cut down in the prime of his life. Have you noticed that some of the greatest leaders in this world were lost at such a very young age. The list is endless. There have been celebrations all across the ...
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Bank of America purchases Countrywide Financial… - Jan 11 08:03 AM
Bank of America purchases Countrywide Financial…
Just announced the acquisition of CountryWide by Bank of America. Well there is a bailout if I ever saw one. I as a matter of fact have my mortgage with CountryWide and thought what would happen if it imploded like several other banks. Well that should ease the mind of shareholders and customers alike.
Not to mention the thousands of loan officers around the country would be out ...
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A great cause and a gift for our residents - Mar 17 09:07 PM
March 17, 2008
Lighthouse Property Management is proud to present the spring Dove Family Film Festival. This year we have partnered with the YMCA and Chemical Bank in support of the Dove Foundation. For those of you who are not aware, the mission of the Dove Foundation is to provide family friendly entertainment. As a sponsor of the film festival, Lighthouse Property Management has secured thousands of tickets to popular G and PG movies that will be ...
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Grand Rapids or Green Rapids, Michigan?? - Mar 05 03:33 PM
Should we change our city's name to Green Rapids?? Not likely, even in the month of March, but with our
reputation in the "Green Community", we certainly could. A full 11 percent of all LEED-certified buildings can be
found in the Grand Rapids area, more per capita than any other city in the nation. Grand Rapids Michigan has a
core city population of about 200,000 people, which definitely means we are one of the "little guys" in ...
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Tax Rebates and all that jazz……. - Jan 25 08:22 PM
Tax Rebates and all that jazz…….
So with this rebate what will it accomplish? 1200.00 for a couple. 600 for an individual. Now I’m not saying not to be grateful for it but how long in this economy will that money last. For some that’s a house payment. Others a car payment. Will this really stimulate the economy? In my opinion no. Is this a move by the Bush Presidency to let us know ...
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More Kent County News & Events...
Kent County Listings
Cutlerville 3 Bedroom Ranch - Immaculate Inside and Out! - Jul 01 09:00 PM
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Wyoming Bungalow - Price Reduced! - Jul 01 08:39 PM
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Rockford Duplex - Short Sale - 119,900 - Jun 30 07:12 PM
180 E. Main Street, Rockford
MLS # 722674 www.grar.com
Perfect for owner occupant - Live on one side and rent out the other to help with mortgage payment, or great investment property, both sides are already rented.
Owner's side has 2 Fireplaces...one on the main level and the other on the lower level.
Lower level has an unfinished basement which could be finished off with at least 2 more rooms.
Both units have hard wood ...
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Any listing in Garfield Park - you can purchase and renovate - Jun 29 08:43 AM
At NO cost to you! Well almost any listing you and the home needs to qualify! For qualified low to moderate income single's or families.......... this could be your story! Yes, you too can have your cake and eat it too! Garfield's area is:
North of 28th, East of 131, South of Cottage Grove and west of Eastern (including the west side of Eastern street). Look for your next home on www.grar.com with these guilde lines.
Here ...
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Completely renovated home - 1925 Buchanan SW - Jun 29 08:27 AM
Join the Garfield MOVE-ment
The best of both worlds! Older home with charm and updated EVERYTHING! Join the Garfield MOVE-ment. This home has been made energy efficient to save you money on your monthly utility bills. Near the new Salvation Army Community Center, due for completion in Spring of 2009. This neighborhood is on the MOVE, and you should be too - not too many homes in this area of this quality at this price.
3 ...
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New construction for sale Kirtland SW 110,000 - Jun 29 08:10 AM
Join the garfield MOVE-ment!
Old house coming down and new one going up!
This home qualifies for the city of GR down payment asstiantance program! What a great opportunity for you and your family! Close to everything, the New Slavation Army Community Center (due for completion in spring of 2009) close to highways, bus stops, parks and maybe your job! More people are buying close to work due to gas prices! Just another great home ...
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Cedar Springs has an affordable walkout ranch with 24'x36" additional gararge - Jun 28 09:30 PM
This is one of those hidden gems. It has vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, oak trim, finished basement and much more. This is like new...squeaky clean inside and has some real innovations. You have the option of a main floor office or den. Two full baths 3 bedrooms on the main floor and a custom third bedroom on the walkout level.
Take a minute and view the virtual tour...be careful you might end up moving! This ...
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Cedar Springs Michigan walkout ranch with 5 bedrooms of luxury - Jun 28 09:16 PM
Ever dream of living in the the country without being in the country? This beautiful 5 bedroom home comes complete with an additional 24'x36' finished second garage.
It has magnificent finished oak trim and appointed with 3 walkin closets, 4.5 bathrooms with a walkout lower level and an entertainment sized deck. Check out the virtual tour and see for yourself. The home sits on an acre lot back up to woods. It has professional landscaping and ...
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Home bargain in Comstock Park Michigan...this little gem is priced right! - Jun 28 08:45 PM
Some times you get a listing that should have sold and just didn't. Well this one isn't the one! I just listed this home a few days ago and it is in an upscale neighborhood of executive homes. It has lots of features and one key benefit...you will earn equity by the thousands within a year or two when the market turns. It is under priced right now but in the short future is will be looked ...
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1451 N Saxony DR SE... - Jun 25 11:11 AM
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More Kent County Listings...
Top Real Estate Agents & Brokers:
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Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FLexIt Realty, a call or click away!
Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Lola Audu~ Audu Real Estate~ Grand Rapids, MI Broker
Lola Audu~ Audu Real Estate~ Grand Rapids, MI Broker
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Flexit Realty, West Michigan
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Terry Westbrook ~ Realtor(R) Grand Rapids Mi Ada/Cascade Real Estate
Five Star Real Estate, LLC Grand Rapids , MI
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Karen Webster...Grand Rapids, MI Realtor
5 Star Real Estate, Grand Rapids MI
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Daniel Sundberg Grand Rapids, FlexIt Real Estate
FlexIt Realty
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Kentwood
Kentwood, MI
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Tammy Stone~ "Eco~GREEN" REALTOR in West Michigan
FlexIt Realty
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Real Estate in Grand Rapids Ethan Dozeman
Platinum Realty Group
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate
Audu Real Estate
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grandville
Grandville, MI
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Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty
Five Star Real Estate
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Top Mortgage Professionals:
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Mary Bigelow, Renewing Your Life!
GreenLife Homes/ Contractor's Building Supply
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Alan Lacey-Fifth Third Mortgage
Alan Lacey-Fifth Third Mortgage
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Kevin Fase, Senior Loan Officer
Chase
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Tom Vanderwell
Fifth Third Bank
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Dan Moralez
First Place Bank
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Joe Zender
Cascade Capital Funding LLC
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Angela L Anderson-Lane
Michigan Home Financing
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Dave Armstrong - Senior Loan Consultant - Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Home Mortgage Pros
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Steven Jones
Looking for a Job
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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Top Flite Financial
Top Flite Financial
/real-estate/MI/Kent County/Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
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